NYC to Crack Down on Scofflaw Cyclists

The New York Police Department plans to step up enforcement of bicycle safety in parts of the city that have seen a disproportionately higher rate of collisions involving bicyclists, city officials said Thursday.

The initiative, which would be aimed at common cycling infractions like running red lights or riding on the sidewalk, comes after numerous complaints about two-wheeled scofflaws and recent protests against new bicycle lanes added to streets in Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan.

I’m all for passing through red lights as long as it doesn’t pose physical risk to anyone or deny anyone’s right of way. I don’t think it’s necessary to cyclists to make a complete stop with the bike’s superior visibility, slow pace, and relatively little risk it poses to anyone, but flagrantly flouting bike laws in broad view just makes it easier for dickhead lawmakers to pass more laws, restrict freedom, and broaden the definition of what’s illegal.

I’m all for blowing red lights but I refrain when it’s highly visible. I don’t want articles like these to be written.

Did you guys see the news where the cop parked in the bike lane, then ticketed cyclists who swerved out of the lane to get around him?

NYC_cyclistNovember 8, 2010 at 1:48 pm

Red light is a red light. Car, bicycle, pedestrian – same rule applies. Period. You break the law – you get a ticket.
People, get real. We, cyclists are a very, very small minority. Breaking the law will not get us any more recognition. On the contrary, if we piss off enough people, we will be forced to register our bikes and take cycling license tests.
Want to further the cycling cause? Do it smart. Convince people, don’t ram your viewpoint down their throats.

rogbieNovember 10, 2010 at 8:07 pm

If a person can justify breaking the law, then that person should accept any and all consequences of their actions.

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